Embedding Knowledge Exchange: Capacity-Building at the University of Bath

In 2020, The Innovation Office Director, Dr Tracey Wond, was commissioned by the University of Bath to develop a bespoke internal learning Knowledge Exchange Hub and Introduction to Knowledge Exchange module to help staff and students navigate Knowledge Exchange (KE), public engagement, and key national frameworks including the KEF and the Knowledge Exchange Concordat.

A structured, collaborative design process

Working closely with the University of Bath's Research and Innovation Services (RIS) team, we clarified the university’s goals and the learning outcomes the module should deliver. To ensure the content resonated with a broad audience, we conducted focus groups with staff across departments, gathering insights on current knowledge, challenges, and common misconceptions.

We also convened a review group or steering committee made up of teaching, research, and engagement leads. Their input during module development helped refine tone, content, and the processes for KE at Bath. 

An interactive module built for diverse learners

The Moodle-based learning experience combined:

• Structured introductions to Knowledge Exchange complementing their Public Engagement Hub

• Clear explanations of KEF, KE Concordat, and sector funding drivers

• Interactive elements including branching scenarios, reflection prompts, and role-based cases that were designed to accommodate different learning preferences and styles

• Practical tools and reflective activities that helped learners identify how their own roles connected to KE

This approach ensured the resource was inclusive, robust, and adaptable.

Recognised as KE leaders

Bath’s strategic embedding of KE rooted in policy alignment, staff capacity-building, and sector frameworks have culminated in national recognition and Bath are no strangers to Praxis Auril nominations. In 2023, the university received the prestigious THE Award for Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year.

Why this initiative mattered

Too often, KE is treated as an output or metric rather than a mindset. By building internal capacity through well‑designed learning, the university supported cultural change - helping staff and students to view KE as part of everyday practice.

This project exemplifies how collaborative design and pedagogic rigour can turn high-level strategy into tangible, meaningful learning and action across an institution.

Interested in designing a Knowledge Exchange training module tailored to your institution?

The Innovation Office creates strategic learning resources, workshops, and toolkits that help embed KE behaviour across university teams. 

Let’s discuss how we could support your objectives.